Majestic Diner

The Majestic Diner has been serving “Food that pleases” since it opened in 1929. It’s located off of Ponce De Leon Avenue, in the bustling Briarcliff Plaza. While it used to be open 24/7, the hours have decreased, yet its impact on Atlantans and Atlanta history has remained the same. 

Wayne Johnson, a long-time resident of Atlanta, has eaten at the diner for over 45 years, and appreciates its impact on the city.

“I’ve had great memories eating there for decades, all the way from childhood into my late adult life,” Johnson said. “I started going there with my parents back in the late 70s, and it really was a central and defining part of my childhood, just as it was for many of the people I grew up with. It’s a really important and sentimental destination for many of us 80s kids.”

Junior Ava Bowie spent much of her childhood eating at the diner with her aunt, who has since moved out of state. 

“I used to go to the diner with my aunt a lot when she lived here, because she really liked it,” Bowie said. “And so, I feel like I grew up going there and eating at the diner.”

Majestic Diner was the last restaurantBowie dined at before the Covid-19 quarantine started on March 13, 2020. 

“In eighth grade after school, right when Covid hit, my friends and I went to Majestic Diner,” Bowie said. “And then during quarantine, my mom got sick, so I couldn’t go anywhere. The diner was literally the last place that I’d gone to for a long time while quarantine was happening.”

During the pandemic, regular patrons like Johnson were not able to visit the restaurant, which was a big hit to the community.

“For 40-plus years, I had visited Majestic every week or two weeks, but this stopped when Covid hit,” Johnson said. 

1031 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306  (404) 875-0276